Season Watch

Scoping out September: A preview of early fall phenology

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 1, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer anticipates the many happenings of early fall.

Bear hands are better than bare hands for climbing trees, eating ants

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan enjoy learning about hungry black bears with Andy Tri, DNR bear biologist.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

A good summer for rabbits heralds a good winter for predators

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 25, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on rabbit populations, changing leaves, and wildflowers.

Immerse yourself in nature (and, possibly, a pile of ants)

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell ponder the behavior of a wasp and discuss John Latimer's party tricks.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

The subtle changes towards autumn with John Latimer

During the Phenology Report for the week of August 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on lake water temperatures and those stubborn bears at this feeders.

Transforming toads: How American toads shift hues in different environments

Co-hosts Jennifer Barr and Charlie Mitchell discuss toads, marvel at kestrels, and ponder the changing seasons.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

A hungry kestrel family strikes fear into the hearts of grasshoppers

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 11, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Red-eyed Vireos, blooming flowers, and Carolina grasshoppers.

Introducing the little goblin moonwort

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discover goblin ferns (also known as goblin moonworts), gaze at snapping turtles, and discuss what it means to be a naturalist.

Early August has glimpses of the autumn ahead in Northern Minnesota

During the Phenology Report for the week of August 4, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening berries and nuts and caterpillars turning into butterflies.

Wild bergamot provides oasis for butterflies and hummingbirds

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 27, 2026. Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening berries, budding flowers and a bear visitor.

How does a fisher weasel its way inside a live tree to build a nest?

This week, Heidi Holtan learns all about Minnesota's largest resident weasel: the American Fisher! Plus, listeners remark on grouse and vultures and campers rock out.Send

Like lemonade? Try sumac-ade, a wild alternative!

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 21, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on sumac, ripe berries, and a veritable rainbow of wildflowers.

Heat and wildfire smoke are real buzzkills

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell grump about heat and wildfire smoke, get charmed by little jumping ducklings, and learn about red-bellied snakes. Send us a voi

Fragrant basswoods bloom in northern MN

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 14, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on blooming basswoods, hawks hunting in harvested fields, and more.

Shorelines teem with tiny toads as 'toadpoles' complete metamorphosis

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan delight in tiny toads, listen to catbirds, and wonder at crab spiders.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

A wild bouquet blooms in Northern MN (but beware the water hemlock)

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 7, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on blooming wildflowers, the poisonous water hemlock, and crab spiders.Sen

Who's scared of a harmless spider? (Charlie is.)

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan discuss the harmless spiders of Minnesota, the spread of invasive yellow irises, and more.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPip

Red raspberries ripen, heralding beginning of July berry season

During the Phenology Report for the week of June 30, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening fruits, blooming flowers, and chipmunks calling.

Have you experienced the whimsy of the bog?

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan banter about bogs, holler about hummingbirds, and discuss dragonflies.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

A bashful Blanding's turtle eludes Belwin's careful watch

Charlie Mitchell is charmed by Blanding's turtles, delights in dragonflies, and learns about bees and wasps. Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!